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<p>The Lower Thames Crossing statutory consultation was carried out in 2018 and outlined
the forecast traffic impacts on the wider road network as a result of the scheme.
The traffic flows use a measure called the passenger car unit (PCU) and a car equates
to 1 PCU. A heavy goods vehicle is 2.5 PCUs as it uses more road space than a car.
The traffic modelling showed that:</p><p> </p><ul><li>At M2 junction 3, traffic flows
are forecast to increase between 101 and 500 Passenger Car Units (PCUs) per hour on
the majority of approaches and the junction, in both the morning (07:00 – 08:00) and
evening peak periods (17:00 – 18:00);</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>On the A229, traffic
flows are forecast to increase between 101 and 500 PCUs per hour northbound in morning
peak period (07:00 – 08:00), and in both directions in the evening peak period (17:00
– 18:00); and</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p><ul><li><p>On roads within the Chatham and
Aylesford constituency; a range of impacts are forecast, including a reduction in
traffic flows on the M20 and an increase on the M2. However, the majority of roads
within the constituency are forecast to see a small change in flow of between -99
PCUs and +100 PCUs per hour in both peak periods.</p><p> </p></li></ul><p>Any impacts
on the Strategic Road Network and wider road network will be considered during development
of the Lower Thames Crossing project and in the context of long term investment planning
in the Strategic Road Network. Highways England is continuing to work with Kent County
Council and all other impacted local highway authorities as it continues to develop
the design of the Lower Thames Crossing.</p><p> </p><p>Following its 2018 statutory
consultation, Highways England is considering all of the responses it received and
any changes to the scheme will be assessed in an updated version of the traffic model,
and presented as part of the Lower Thames Crossing planning application (Development
Consent Order).</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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